The £5 million restoration work on Kilmarnock’s historic Dean Castle has stalled after the main contractor went out of business.
CBC Stone went into administration during lockdown, according to an East Ayrshire Council report.
Now council bosses will seek to hire a new firm to take on the mammoth project.
Officials are not sure yet when work will restart.
East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid said: “We are trying our best to get another contractor to step in. It is a big attraction to the area and brings footfall to the visitor centre. We are anxious that the work is done as soon as possible and done right.”
Water getting in to the keep was one of the problems which sparked the ongoing refurbishment project.
The 14th century landmark’s precious museum collections had to be moved to the Dick Institute to keep them safe before the makeover began.
Plans include a recreated medieval kitchen in the cellar and a raised floor to make it accessible to all visitors.
Finance for the project came from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council.
A council report presented to a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, September 2 said: “Dean Castle Restoration Project works have been delayed on-site as a result of the main contractor CBC Stone going into administration on April 29, 2020.”
The report said options are being considered “regarding the most advantageous solution for procuring a new contractor for the remainder of the works.”
The report prepared for councillors said construction had restarted on other council developments.
Workers have been back on site at Cumnock’s Barony Campus, Bellsbank Primary and nursery and Loanhead Primary. Builders have returned to work on other schemes as well.
